Shorts: Barnsley Fc, Zhou Guanyu, BBL
English Football League (EFL) One football club Barnsley FC has announced a new esports partnership with Barnsley Griffins and Barnsley College.
The new deal kicks off on Wednesday 11th January, with supporters having the opportunity to represent the Reds within the FIFA ePremier League. A competition will be open to anyone over the age of 16 and see gamers battle it out against each other on FIFA 23, with the overall winner crowned as Barnsley FC’s first official esports player.
Speaking on the venture, Reds Chief Executive Officer, Khaled El-Ahmad, said, “We’re proud to be teaming up with Barnsley College for this exciting venture. We hope this is just the first step on our journey together.”
Enzo Guarini, Esports course leader at Barnsley College, added, “We’re really looking forward to hosting the Barnsley Griffins and Barnsley FC FIFA tournament. It gives our students and the community an opportunity to work together and build a real sense of togetherness.
Alfa Romeo Formula 1 driver Zhou Guanyu has extended his partnership with British banking and financial services business HSBC, continuing as a brand ambassador for the company.
The agreement is part of HSBC’s commitment to supporting the next generation of Chinese sporting athletes, having already sponsored the China Golf Association’s (CBA) Junior Golf Development Programme.
The British Basketball League (BBL) and Women’s British Basketball League (WBBL) have announced the appointment of Dr Amir Pakravan as Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
A consultant in sport, exercise and musculoskeletal medicine, Dr Pakravan has previously worked at Crystal Palace FC, London Lions Basketball Club, the NBA European games, as well as the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic games.
As part of his role, Dr Pakravan will work alongside all of the clubs, players and staff throughout both leagues to support with all forms of player medical care and wellbeing standards.
Speaking on his arrival, Dr Pakravan, commented, “I’m very excited to be appointed as the CMO of BBL and WBBL and look forward to collaboratively working with the leagues, clubs and players towards setting and implementing the highest medical, safety and wellbeing standards for the sport we all love.”
